Charles Leclerc may have set the fastest time in Saturday’s qualifying at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, securing pole position, but his bid for victory slipped away on lap 20 as McLaren’s Oscar Piastri snatched the lead. With McLaren now topping the Constructors’ standings, Leclerc knows that Ferrari needs more than just a fast car to challenge for the Drivers’ Championship.
Despite being competitive, Ferrari finds itself trailing McLaren, who currently boast the quickest car on the grid. Leclerc acknowledged that while his team is in a strong position in the Constructors’ battle, fighting for the Drivers’ Championship will require a combination of better car performance and a dose of good fortune.
“We need a bit of luck on our side,” Leclerc admitted. “The car is strong, but we need to find that extra bit of performance to stay ahead of McLaren. It’s not just about speed; it’s about consistency and maximizing every opportunity.”
Ferrari’s recent improvements have kept them in the hunt, but Leclerc emphasized that continuous development is crucial if the team hopes to turn its potential into a championship charge. He pointed out that Ferrari needs to focus on enhancing the car’s overall performance, particularly in terms of race pace and tire management.
“The team is in good spirits, and we know what we need to do,” Leclerc continued. “We’re still in the mix for the Constructors’ Championship, but to challenge for the Drivers’ title, we need everything to click perfectly.”
As Ferrari prepares for the next challenge at the Singapore Grand Prix, Leclerc and his team are determined to close the nearly 50-point gap to the leaders. The Monegasque driver believes that with the right upgrades and a bit of racing luck, Ferrari can claw its way back into the fight.
“We’ve shown we can qualify well, but we need to convert those poles into wins,” Leclerc added. “It’s going to take hard work, but I believe in this team. We just need a little bit of luck to go our way, and we’ll be right there in the mix.”
With seven races remaining, Leclerc remains optimistic but realistic about his chances. The upcoming races are crucial, and Ferrari’s performance in Singapore will be a key indicator of whether they can mount a serious challenge to McLaren and keep their championship dreams alive.
